Buckingham Palace repairs could force the Queen to move out

Buckingham Palace is falling down. The Queen may be forced to abandon it and move out while construction workers move in to save it from crumbling.

The Palace, that has served continuously as the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837, is an historic landmark and has to be renovated with special care.

Worse still, as the newly elected Tory Government and Chancellor George Osborne continue to preach austerity, the taxpayer will have to cough up £150 million to save this national “working” monument. It is a centre of national importance.

Her Majesty is yet to decide if and when to move out.

Equally, the Chancellor of The Exchequer, has yet to decide how and when to pay for it - but the bill will have to be footed by the taxpayer.

There is bound to be a outcry - given that the Crown Estate funds continues to perform well and the cost of the monarchy to the taxpayer stands at £35.7 million annually.

Renovation: Buckingham Palace (Picture: PA)

In comparison to the estimated £7.1 billion cost to renovate the seat of parliamentary democracy, The Palace of Westminster, however, the £150 million quote - while large - is a comparative drop in the ocean.

But the real issue is do we want to lose a major part of brand Britain.